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Judge Daniel Ballou of Kentucky; ethical gnome or unlucky gambler?

In January 2011, the Kentucky Judicial Commission charged Judge Ballou with judicial misconduct for contributing money to U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign. He was also charged with misconduct for sending campaign material on behalf of U.S. Senator Rand Paul.

The Judicial Code of Conduct states that judges “shall [mandatory] refrain from inappropriate political activity.” Of course this would include making contributions or publicly endorsing or opposing candidates for office.

In contributing to the McCain/Palin campaign, Judge Ballou clearly exhibited a penchant for betting on the wrong horse on Derby Day, if y’all know what I mean.

Rather than sanction Judge Ballou, I would respectfully advise the Kentucky Supreme Court to order that he be made to join “Gamblers Anonymous” and attend sessions for at least six months until he can be weaned from his addiction in betting on losers.

At a minimum this would or should prevent Judge Ballou from making contributions to U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachman for the Republican presidential nomination. And if he persists in contributing to Bachman’s campaign, then he has forfeited his right to sit on the bench because he's proven to be an unapologetic idiot.